The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands

World Wetlands Day 2003: Egypt

To: Ms. Valerie Higgins – Ramsar
Ms. Maria Anagnostopoulou - MedWet
From: Injy Galal – MedWetCoast Egypt
CC: Mrs. Samia Guirguis – UNDP
Dr. Mohamed Bayoumi – UNDP
Date: March 5, 2003

World Wetlands Day Media Campaign

Dear Sir / Madam,

On the occasion of World Wetlands Day (2/ 2/ 2003), an extensively publicized symposium was held in Burullus protectorate. It was the basis of the following media campaign:

On the National Level:

I) "Good Evening Egypt" show, - a peak hour show with very high viewership broadcasted on the Egyptian National television-, hosted for the first time Project Manager Dr. Essam El Badry. Along with other authorities on the environment he discussed and explained to an audience of several million Egyptians the value and importance of wetlands.

II) A special episode about the celebration was recorded and aired by the Egyptian Satellite Channel, which is broadcasted to tens of countries via seven satellite services. It included several interviews and footage of scenery from the protectorate.

III) A special episode about the celebration was recorded by Nile International TV Channel, an English speaking channel broadcasted to tens of countries via seven satellite services. It included several interviews and footage of scenery from the protectorate. It was broadcasted around three times, up to this date.

IV) In an attempt to prepare public opinion for that event, an article on the Ramsar treaty, wetlands, the project and World Wetlands Day, was published in Al -Gomhoreya national newspaper.

V) An article on the project and the world wetlands day appeared, after the celebration. It was published in Al -Ahram national newspaper, the most widely red and circulated paper in Egypt.

Media Coverage on the Local Level:

I) The local TV Channel 6 covered the celebration in Burullus.
II) The local Central Delta Radio Station covered the celebration in Burullus.
III) The local paper Kafr El Sheikh assigned a whole page for the event.

Sincerely,

Injy Galal
National Information Officer
MedWetCoast – Egypt

For further information about the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, please contact the Ramsar Convention Bureau, Rue Mauverney 28, CH-1196 Gland, Switzerland (tel +41 22 999 0170, fax +41 22 999 0169, e-mail ramsar@ramsar.org). Posted 5 March 2003, Sandra Hails, Ramsar.